NYCFC faces a stern test in their penultimate MLS regular-season match against the Philadelphia Union, away from home at Subaru Park on Saturday night.

The Boys in Blue and the Union have confirmed playoff spots, but NYCFC is in pursuit of the No. 2 seed, sitting just two points behind FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference standings. The matchup could also be a potential preview for a conference semifinal or final, down the line.

City is boosted by the return of top-scorer Alonso Martínez, who has scored three game-winners in the team’s three most recent away fixtures. The Costa Rican was ruled out of last week’s Hudson River Derby due to a quad injury, and his minutes will be managed.

“The medical team has worked 24/7 in order to get him ready again,” head coach Pascal Jansen reveale

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